The 2005-06 season was one of ups and downs for Schalke. The club only dropped two points more compared to the previous season, but this was only good enough to see Schalke finish in 4th. Schalke also exited the Champions League at the group stage. However, there was little shame in elimination given that they were placed in the same group as last season's runners-up AC Milan and semi-finalists PSV Eindhoven. Schalke compensated with a great run to the UEFA Cup semi-final, with eventual champions Sevilla needing extra time to overcome the Germans. Less flattering was Schalke's domestic cup form, with the club thrashed by eventual finalists Frankfurt 6-0 in the second round. This humiliation, along with the mediocre league form, saw coach Ralf Rangnick sacked in December, with Mirko Slomka appointed as his replacement in early January.
^Altıntop was born in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany (now Germany), but also qualified to represent Turkey internationally and represented Turkey at U-18, U-20 and U-21 level before making his international debut for Turkey in 2004.
^Azaouagh was born in Beni Sidel, Morocco, but also qualified to represent Germany internationally and represented Germany at U-21 level.
^Asamoah was born in Mampong, Ghana, but was raised in Germany from the age of 12 and made his international debut for Germany in May 2001.
^Kurányi was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but also qualified to represent Germany internationally through his father and Panama through his mother and represented Germany at U-21 and B level before making his international debut for Germany in March 2003.
^Boenisch was born in Gliwice, Poland, but was raised in Germany from the age of 1 and represented Germany at U-20 and U-21 level before changing his allegiance to Poland and making his international debut for Poland in September 2010.
